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QinetiQ Australia Principal Consultant wins prestigous Young Achiever of the Year Award

Courtney Cole, a Principal Consultant for QinetiQ Australia, has won a Young Achiever Award from the Australian Industry and Defence Network–Australian Capital Territory (AIDN-ACT).

Open to all members of the defence industry under the age of 30, Courtney was chosen for her thought leadership on defence reform and her career and academic achievements, particularly her outstanding contribution as a QinetiQ consultant to the Landing Helicopter Dock Systems Program Office (LHDSPO).

During her time at LHDSPO, Courtney was awarded a Commendation for Service for her exemplary commitment and outstanding commercial and procurement skills from the Director General Maritime Acquisition Branch of the Defence Material Organisation, which purchases equipment required by defence and approved by the Commonwealth Government of Australia.

Based in Canberra, Courtney is currently consulting to the Domestic Munitions Manufacturing Arrangements Project and the Capability Development Group on LAND 17 Phase 1C.2 that will equip the Australian Army with future artillery ammunition. She is also studying a Masters of Business.

Courtney said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this Young Achiever Award. I’m committed to act in defence’s best interests in the execution of my role at all times. This commitment has consistently ensured that I gain the trust and respect of QinetiQ’s clients; elevating the perception of defence industry in their eyes, from service provider to trusted adviser.”

Rob Forbes, Chairman of AIDN-ACT, said: “AIDN-ACT congratulates Courtney on winning the Young Achiever Award. She typifies the abilities that younger people are capable of bringing to the defence industry. These include a professionalism, academic background and commitment to serving the Australian Defence Force.”

Greg Barsby, Managing Director of QinetiQ Australia, said: “Investing in people is why QinetiQ continues to attract and retain the very best talent in Defence industry. Courtney’s win is evidence of this; as we invest heavily in coaching, training and developing our future leaders. She is one of seven participants in our Accelerated Development Program that provides clear paths for career progression in our company. This program has been hugely successful with previous participants gaining promotions to more senior roles in QinetiQ in less than a year. We are incredibly proud of what Courtney has achieved through this program and in her career to date and that her successes have been recognised by industry with this Young Achiever Award.”

As the Young Achiever Award recipient, Courtney received a trophy, certificate and a ticket to 2015 Defence + Industry Conference.

As the peak industry association for companies wishing to do business in the defence and security sectors, AIDN-ACT established the Young Achiever Award to recognise potential industry leaders, believing that driven and talented young people are the key to the future of the defence industry.

Notes for Editors:

A FTSE250 company, QinetiQ uses its world class knowledge, research and innovation to provide high-end technical expertise and advice, to customers in the global aerospace, defence and security markets. QinetiQ's unique position enables it to be a trusted partner to government organisations, predominantly in the UK and the US, including defence departments as well as other international customers in targeted sectors.

As part of the QinetiQ company, QinetiQ Australia more than 250 specialist staff located across Australia who use their know-how to deliver trusted and independent value solutions to Australian defence and government organisations across air, land, sea and information domains as well as the rail and mining industries.